Genuine experiences in a Sweden in miniature

In Dalsland, unique experiences are never far apart, and along your journey you’ll be spoilt for choice for your own favourite place. This route suggestion starts at Baldersnäs Manor, in a lovely setting on a peninsula in Lake Laxsjön.

Day 1:

Check in to Baldersnäs Manor

The Baldersnäs estate bears witness to former mill owner Carl Fredrik Waern’s interest in English parks.  You can choose to stay in the manor house itself or in the wings overlooking the lake. Wherever you end up, old fashioned charm is delightfully mixed with modern comforts. Make sure you have a short walk in the surroundings before you set off to discover more of Dalsland.

 Take a trip to Håverud

A short drive away from Baldersnäs lies Håverud. There are impressive stone arch aqueducts in other parts of the world, but the aqueduct in Håverud is genuinely unique, with its 33.5 metre long riveted sheet metal channel for boats to navigate. Moreover, both a rail and a road bridge pass over the aqueduct. If you want to find out more about this amazing construction you can do so at the Canal Museum.

A stone’s throw from the aqueduct you’ll find Håveruds brasseri. Take the opportunity to order smoked fish direct from the restaurant’s own smokery, which you can eat right on the quayside, or in the old workshop – a special experience!

 Relax and enjoy dinner at Baldersnäs

Take some time in the afternoon to explore the lovely park surrounding Baldersnäs and then treat yourself to a relaxing time in the manor’s own spa. You can admire the view of the surrounding fields and countryside from the jacuzzi and wood fired hot tub.

The day ends with dinner at Baldersnäs own restaurant, Baldersnäs Kök. The menu, based on local produce, reflects this place’s traditions and the seasons. If you like locally produced beers you’ve come to the right place.

 

Day 2:

Start the day in Fengersfors

Spend your second day in Dalsland at Not Quite in Fengersfors. In and around the old paper mill is a thriving and creative cultural centre with artists, craftsworkers, and designers. Visit the shop or one of the exhibitions and then enjoy something home made in the centre’s café and bistro.

Travel on to Upperud

A 30 minute drive south from Not Quite lies your home for the next two nights, Upperud 9:9, which is a modern hotel set in the renovated grain silo of an old mill. The lovely rooms in the former silo create a truly unique setting. We suggest you get a packed lunch from the hotel and enjoy a hike along the nearby Pilgrim Path. 

Visit Dalslands museum

A great place to spend the afternoon is Dalslands konstmuseum. The long red museum building, in a lovely setting on top of a hill in Upperud, reflects the former industrial landscapes and contains both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Afternoon coffee can be enjoyed at Museicafé Bonaparte where you can also admire the fabulous view of Lake Spången.

Back at Upperud 9:9 there’s time to relax before dinner in the hotel’s own restaurant, where dishes are rustic and seasonal, with ingredients from the forest as well as the lake and local growers. The vibe is Swedish home cooking but with flavours from around the world.

 

Day 3:

Take it easy      

This day is for nothing but enjoying the peace and quiet of the beautiful surroundings. Spend some quality time reading, or just find a calm spot where you can really relax. If you start to get itchy feet  there are plenty of opportunities to get out for a walk, or go biking or paddling.

 

Day 4:

  Explore Halle and Hunneberg

After a hearty breakfast it’s time to head south to Trollhättan. On the way down we recommend a stop at Ecopark Halle and Hunneberg, which with its spectacular and unique scenery - cliffs, deep ravines and knotty oaks - is an attraction not to be missed. If you want to know more about the flora, fauna and history of the area then a visit to the Royal Hunt Museum, Kungajaktsmuseet Älgens Berg, is worth fitting in.

  Continue on to Trollhättan

When you arrive in Trollhättan you’ll find a nice little town that over the years has expanded along the Göta älv river.  300 000 litres of water pass through the impressive Trollhätte Falls every second before cascading down the waterfalls.

The Älvrummet is the nature reserve linking the falls area with the locks in Trollhättan. There are several walking trails in the reserve. If you’re travelling with someone special take the opportunity to walk along the Love Path (Kärlekens stig), running parallell with the Göta älv river. Mooch around the cosy cafes and shops in the centre of Trollhättan before checking in at Albert hotell.

Most of the rooms in the hotel overlook the falls and the town. In the evening you don’t need to walk further than to the hotel’s own restaurant, serving modern Nordic food with clean, simple and assured flavours. A lovely end to a couple of inspiring and restful days!